Neuroenergetics: Your Brain’s Energy Budgeting System

1. Energy Production: This involves how the brain cells, or neurons, produce energy. Neurons are highly active cells that require a constant supply of energy. This energy is primarily produced through oxidative phosphorylation, a process similar to what happens in other body cells, where glucose and oxygen are used to produce ATP (adenosine triphos... See more

3. Energy Usage: Neurons use energy for various functions, like transmitting signals, maintaining the balance of ions across their membranes, and synthesizing neurotransmitters and other molecules. Neuroenergetics examines how energy is utilized for these critical tasks.

2. Energy Distribution: The brain has a unique way of distributing energy. Unlike other cells in the body, neurons have long extensions (axons and dendrites), and they need to transport energy efficiently to these distant parts. Understanding how energy is transported and distributed in neurons is a key aspect of neuroenergetics.